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Russell Westbrook

Now the face of the OKC Thunder, Russell Westbrook rookie cards have seen a lot of movement as of late thanks to his stellar play. This checklist and guide documents his full rookie lineup and key collectibles in one place.

Russell Westbrook already commands strong values for his autographs and rookie cards. Although not quite a top-tier hobby favorite yet, Russell Westbrook cards are firmly entrenched at a level below.

There are almost 30 official Russell Westbrook rookie cards from 2008-09 sets, with over a third being autographed. Also, several Russell Westbrook cards from 2007-08 products receive solid interest. Originally issued as redemptions, they include 2007-08 Chronology #254, which is numbered to 250 copies, and 2007-08 Finest #104, which comes as multiple Refractors and even a signed version.

Westbrook also added his autograph to the on-card Exquisite Draft Picks Reservation insert in 2007-08 Exquisite Collection. Limited to 99 or 199 copies, he is part of three different triple autographs, including versions that pair him with Derrick Rose or Kevin Love.

Top Russell Westbrook Rookie Cards

The top option among first-year Russell Westbrook cards, 2008-09 Exquisite Collection features an on-card autograph and diamond-shaped patch swatch. The great design combines a color scheme that matches the Thunder's uniform and properly displays the autograph and jersey.

With a slightly larger print run than Exquisite, 2008-09 SP Authentic still holds its own among Russell Westbrook cards, thanks to its on-card autograph and jersey piece. SP Authentic also has a retail version that includes a similar Westbrook rookie card. The main difference is that the card uses red foil instead of gold and does not have a jersey piece. The retail version is much more rare despite not being serially numbered.

With the lowest print run on the list, UD Black could be seen as the top option for premium collectors. Although it also features an on-card autograph and quad jersey piece that spells out 2008, it actually represents the best value among rookie Russell Westbrook cards. Despite being limited to 99 copies, it can be had for, on average, about a quarter the amount of Westbrook's Exquisite rookie.

Russell Westbrook Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide

Below you will find an example of what Russell Westbrook's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Reputable authentication companies include JSA, PSA, Panini Authentic and Mounted Memories to name a few. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.

Russell Westbrook Cut Signature Exemplar

Russell Westbrook Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Russell Westbrook signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics, depending on when in his career the item was signed. Other characteristics that play into his signature style are the particular item and venue. Look for the following signature features:

The whole signature is hastily written with only a couple of legible letters.

The letter "R" is legible with the rear vertical line written on a 50 degree angle and exhibiting a very narrow loop.

The next several letters are implied with only the "e-l" being discernible and even then the "e" resembles more of an "a" and the "l" is not completed.

Trey Treutel | E-Mail Author |
Trey Treutel is an Ole Miss grad and a lifelong sports fanatic. He is a huge fan of the NBA and NFL, as well as soccer, college basketball and college football. As a kid, he collected football and basketball cards. In more recent years, he started collecting basketball cards again on a whim and has since expanded to other sports and entertainment options. Find Trey on Twitter at @datreute or Google+.